Steering mechanism for a one-track slide vehicle

ABSTRACT

A one-track slide vehicle with a supporting frame to which a rear runner and a steering mechanism with a front runner are attached. The steering mechanism includes a steering column and a handlebar which cooperate with each other by means of a detachable sleeve which has screw threads between the sleeve and the steering column and also between the sleeve and the handlebar, respectively. The screw threads between the sleeve and the steering column have a right-hand thread while the screw threads between the sleeve and the handlebar have a left-hand thread; the sleeve is scored on the outer surface so as to provide a good gripping surface for easy manipulation thereof.

United States Patent Porsche et al.

[451 Jan. 18, 1972 Kreis Boblingen; Theodor Bauer, Leinfelden, both ofGermany [73] Assignee: Firma Dr.-Ing. h.c. F. Porsche K.G.,Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany [22] Filed: July 15, 1969 [21] App1.No.:841,703

773,921 11/1904 Campbell ..287/117 910,797 1/1909 Donnelly et al....1,588,128 6/1926 Montgomery 1,809,295 6/1931 Gundersen 3,260,535 7/1966Janlmes 3,436,091 4/1969 Brenter ..280/1 6 Primary ExaminerBenjaminHersh Assistant Examiner-Robert R. Song Attorney-Craig, Antonelli & Hill[57] ABSTRACT A one-track slide vehicle with a supporting frame to whicha rear runner and a steering mechanism with a front runner are attached.The steering mechanism includes a steering column and a handlebar whichcooperate with each other by means of a detachable sleeve which hasscrew threads between the sleeve and the steering column and alsobetween the sleeve and the handlebar, respectively. The screw threadsbetween the sleeve and the steering column have a right-hand threadwhile the screw threads between the sleeve and the handlebar have aleft-hand thread; the sleeve is scored on the outer surface so as toprovide a good gripping surface for easy man ipulation thereof.

15 Claims, 2 Drawing, Figures PATENTEDJANIBISYZ 36851487 SHEET 1 OF 2Flgl ln ren/ars:

FERDINAND ALEXANDER Pmscna and R A ER.

PATENIED JAN 1 8 I972 Fig? SHEET 2 OF 2 a; L 30 33 2 24 23 2a 21Myer/fob FERDINAND ALEIANDER PoRSCH/i dnJ THEobaR 5 BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a slide vehicle, and moreparticularly, to a one-track slide vehicle with a supporting frame towhich a rear runner and a steering mechanism provided with a forward orfront runner are attached.

A one-track slide vehicle of the type having a tubular frame to which asteering mechanism provided with a front runner is hingedly attached isknown. This steering mechanism comprises a steering column integrallyconnected with a steering means such as a handlebar. However, thedisadvantage of this construction is that the steering mechanism cannotbe detached from the tubular frame and, consequently, constitutes abulky structural component during the transportation of the slidevehicle. In another type of slide vehicle of similar construction as setforth above, the above-mentioned disadvantage is only partiallyeliminated by providing that the handlebar can be separated from thesteering mechanism. But here too, there is no possibility of detachingthe entire steering mechanism from the frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is the aim of the presentinvention to provide a steering mechanism for a slide vehicle of theaforementioned type so that it can be readily detached from, and/orattached to, the supporting frame. In this connection, the mounting ofthis steering mechanism should be possible without the necessity ofcomplicated tools and with just a few manipulations.

The underlying problems are solved in accordance with the presentinvention by providing a steering mechanism which comprises a steeringcolumn and a handlebar as independent structural components, which areconnected with each other in a detachable manner by means of a sleeve ortubular casing designed to serve as a connecting or coupling member.Thereby, the steering mechanism is constructed as a separable structuralcomponent which can be detached from the sup porting frame and thus doesnot interfere when carrying the slide vehicle in cable cars, automotivevehicles, or the like.

The sleeve constructed as a connecting member cooperates with thehandlebar and the steering column by means of threaded connections. Thisdesign affords a simple and, consequently, inexpensive coupling forthese parts. The screw connections between the sleeve and the steeringcolumn and those between the sleeve and the handlebar, respectively, arepreferably provided with opposed threads. The screw connection betweenthe sleeve and the handlebar has a left-hand thread, whereas the screwconnection between the sleeve and the steering column has a righthandthread. Accordingly, it is possible to place the steering column as wellas the handlebar of the steering mechanism into the installed positionby rotating the sleeve in a clockwise direction, whereby a simplemounting of the steering mechanism is made possible.

The sleeve is also knurled or scored on its outer surface, thus ensuringa good grip on the sleeve. The sleeve is further provided with anut-type section at its terminal or end zone facing the handlebar.Because of this, it is also possible to detach the sleeve by means of afork wrench, which might be necessary after rough or improper treatment,corrosion effects, or the like.

The handlebar cooperates with the coupling column by means of acentering device. The installation of the steering mechanism and thealignment of the handlebar with respect to the steering column issimplified thereby. It is of further advantage to provide that thecentering device consists of a pin attached to the steering column and arecess provided at the handlebar. The pin of the steering column and therecess of the handlebar have a polygonal cross section. Thisconstruction makes it possible to install the handlebar in the correctposition with respect to the steering column. The pin of the steeringcolumn and the recess of the handlebar are provided with conicallyextending flanks or sides. Thus, the steering column and the handlebarof the installed steering mechanism are connected one inside the otherin a braced fashion which, in turn, precludes an undesired release ofthe coupling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSReferring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. I, a slidevehicle 1 is illustrated comprising a structurally rigid supportingframe or body 2. The supporting frame 2 is manufactured from a suitablesynthetic material and is formed so as to be a hollow member. Cavities3, 4 which are defined by partitions 5, 6, 7 are provided in thesupporting frame 2. An upholstered seat is disposed in the upper regionof the supporting frame 2 and extends over the entire length of thesupporting frame 2. The seat 8 closes off the cavity 3 and is so constructed that it can be folded laterally by hinging the seat to one wallof the hollow supporting frame 2. A rear runner 9 is hingedly attachedby means of guides I I), II on the side of the supporting frame 2opposite the seat 8. The runner 9 is cushioned by a damping orshock-absorbing member 13 hingedly mounted to the supporting frame 2.The damping member 13 essentially consists of a shock absorber which isbilaterally effective. A supporting tube 114 is provided in the forwardarea of the supporting frame 2 and is provided on both of its ends withbearing bushings I5, 16 produced from a synthetic material or the like.The supporting tube Ml is integrally connected with the supporting frame2 and serves for the mounting of the steering mechanism designatedgenerally by numeral 17. The steering mechanism 17, as seen in FIG. 2,includes a steering column 19 provided with a forward runner 18. Thesteering column 19 is held in its position by an abutment part 20 andsleeve 21. The abutment part 20 and the sleeve 21 of the steeringmechanism 17 rest on the bearing bushings I5, 16, respectively, of thesupporting tube Ml.

Furthermore, the steering mechanism 117 has a handlebar 22 disposed atthe free end of the sleeve 211..

As seen in FIG. 2, the sleeve 21 acts as a connecting member cooperatingwith the steering column 19 and the handlebar 22 through both screwconnections 23, 24. The screw connection 23 is provided with a left-handthread and is formed by a threaded pin 25 integrally connected with thehandlebar 22, as well as by a threaded bore 26 associated with thesleeve 21. On the other hand, the threaded connection 24 is providedwith a right-hand thread and is formed by a threaded pin 27 fixedly orfirmly connected with the steering column 19, and by a threaded bore 28provided in the sleeve 21.

The steering column 19 coacts with the handlebar 22 by means of acentering device designated generally by numeral 29. For this purpose,the threaded pin 27 of the steering column is provided with a receivingpin 30 extending into a recess 31 of the threaded pin 25 of thehandlebar 22. The receiving pin 30 and the recess 31 have a polygonalcross section corresponding to one another in addition to being providedwith conically extending flanks or sides.

When installing the steering mechanism 17 in the supporting frame 2, thesleeve 21 is rotated in the clockwise direction; by the cooperation ofthe screw connection 23, 2% provided with left-hand and right-handthreads, respectively, the steering column 119 and the handlebar 22 arethereafter moved into their appropriate mounted positions. The outersurface of the sleeve 21 is provided with scoring or knurling 22 so asto assure a good grip thereon and therefore to allowmanipulationthereof. Furthermore, the sleeve is provided with a nut-type section 33on the side facing the handlebar 22, so that it is also possible torelease the connection by means of a simple tool such as a fork wrench.

While we have shown and described only one embodiment in accordance withthe present invention, it is understood that the same is not limitedthereto but is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications asknown to a person skilled in the art, and we, therefore, do not wish tobe limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to coverall such changes and modifications as encompassed by the scope of theinvention.

We claim:

l. A one-track slide vehicle comprising a supporting frame, a rearrunner operatively attached to said supporting frame, a forward runner,a steering mechanism including a handlebar and a steering column, saidsteering column being operatively connected to said forward runner, saidhandlebar including first thread means, said steering column includingsecond thread means, and attaching means including threaded sleeve meansfor threadably engaging both said first thread means and said secondthread means to detachably connect said handlebar to said steeringcolumn and to detachably connect said handlebar and steering column tosaid supporting frame.

2. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said firstand second thread means have oppositely handed threaded portions andsaid sleeve means includes corresponding oppositely handed threadedportions.

3. A one-track vehicle according-to claim 1, wherein said second threadmeans has a right-hand thread.

4. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 3, wherein said firstthread means has a left-hand thread.

5. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 1, wherein centeringmeans is provided for cooperation of said handlebar with said steeringcolumn.

6. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 5, wherein saidcentering means includes a pin provided on said steering column and arecess provided at said handlebar.

7. A one-track vehicle comprising a supporting frame, a

rear runner operatively attached to said supporting frame, a forwardrunner, a steering mechanism including a handlebar and a steeringcolumn, said steering column being operatively connected to said forwardrunner, sleeve means for detachably connecting said handlebar to saidsteering column, and centering means including a pin provided for saidsteering column and a recess provided at said handlebar, wherein saidpin and said recess have a substantially polygonal cross section.

8. A one-track vehicle comprising a supporting frame, a rear runneroperatively attached to said supporting frame, a forward runner, asteering mechanism including a handlebar and a steering column, saidsteering column being operatively connected to said forward runner,sleeve means for detachably connecting said handlebar to said steeringcolumn, and centering means including a pin provided for said steeringcolumn and a recess provided at said handlebar, wherein said pin andsaid recess are provided with conically extending sides.

9. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 8, wherein said pin andsaid recess have a substantially polygonal cross section.

10. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 9, wherein said sleevemeans includes threaded connecting means for cooperating with saidsteering column and said handlebar.

11. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 10, wherein saidthreaded connecting means includes screw connections between said sleevemeans and said steering column and between said sleeve means and saidhandlebar, respectively, oppositely handed threaded portions.

12. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 10, wherein saidthreaded connecting meansbetween said sleeve means and said handlebarhas a left-hand thread.

13. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 12, wherein saidthreaded connecting means between said sleeve means and said steeringcolumn has a right-hand thread.

14. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 13, wherein said sleevemeans has scoring on the outer surface thereof.

15. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 14,, wherein saidsleeve means is provided with a nutlike section at the end thereoffacing said handlebar.

t I l

1. A one-track slide vehicle comprising a supporting frame, a rearrunner operatively attached to said supporting frame, a forward runner,a steering mechanism including a handlebar and a steering column, saidsteering column being operatively connected to said forward runner, saidhandlebar including first thread means, said steering column includingsecond thread means, and attaching means including threaded sleeve meansfor threadably engaging both said first thread means and said secondthread means to detachably connect said handlebar to said steeringcolumn and to detachably connect said handlebar and steering column tosaid supporting frame.
 2. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim1, wherein said first and second thread means have oppositely handedthreaded portions and said sleeve means includes correspondingoppositely handed threaded portions.
 3. A one-track vehicle according toclaim 1, wherein said second thread means has a right-hand thread.
 4. Aone-track slide vehicle according to claim 3, wherein said first threadmeans has a left-hand thread.
 5. A one-track slide vehicle according toclaim 1, wherein centering means is provided for cooperation of saidhandlebar with said steering column.
 6. A one-track slide vehicleaccording to claim 5, wherein said centering means includes a pinprovided on said steering column and a recess provided at saidhandlebar.
 7. A one-track vehicle comprising a supporting frame, a rearrunner operatively attached to said supporting frame, a forward runner,a steering mechanism including a handlebar and a steering column, saidsteering column being operatively connected to said forward runner,sleeve means for detachably connecting saiD handlebar to said steeringcolumn, and centering means including a pin provided for said steeringcolumn and a recess provided at said handlebar, wherein said pin andsaid recess have a substantially polygonal cross section.
 8. A one-trackvehicle comprising a supporting frame, a rear runner operativelyattached to said supporting frame, a forward runner, a steeringmechanism including a handlebar and a steering column, said steeringcolumn being operatively connected to said forward runner, sleeve meansfor detachably connecting said handlebar to said steering column, andcentering means including a pin provided for said steering column and arecess provided at said handlebar, wherein said pin and said recess areprovided with conically extending sides.
 9. A one-track slide vehicleaccording to claim 8, wherein said pin and said recess have asubstantially polygonal cross section.
 10. A one-track slide vehicleaccording to claim 9, wherein said sleeve means includes threadedconnecting means for cooperating with said steering column and saidhandlebar.
 11. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 10, whereinsaid threaded connecting means includes screw connections between saidsleeve means and said steering column and between said sleeve means andsaid handlebar, respectively, oppositely handed threaded portions.
 12. Aone-track slide vehicle according to claim 10, wherein said threadedconnecting means between said sleeve means and said handlebar has aleft-hand thread.
 13. A one-track slide vehicle according to claim 12,wherein said threaded connecting means between said sleeve means andsaid steering column has a right-hand thread.
 14. A one-track slidevehicle according to claim 13, wherein said sleeve means has scoring onthe outer surface thereof.
 15. A one-track slide vehicle according toclaim 14, wherein said sleeve means is provided with a nutlike sectionat the end thereof facing said handlebar.